What happens in our minds when we pay attention? Why do we refer to mindfulness as a state of being? From a scientific perspective, how can we explain the benefits of contemplative traditions? In this fascinating book, John Teasdale explores the changes we experience thanks to meditative practices.

Teasdale analyzes mindfulness and inner awakening in the light of psychological science. The book focuses on the two types of knowledge developed by human beings: conceptual and holistic. While the first, oriented towards problem solving or achieving goals, is the one that predominates in today's society, giving more weight to holistic-intuitive knowledge can lead to greater fulfillment and happiness. In fact, a radical leap in the relationship between these two modalities of knowledge is fundamental both for mindfulness protocols and for the inner awakening advocated by numerous spiritual traditions.